Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department is is fully aware of the recent ruling in the High Court Case relating to a case that challenged the legality of the NCSE (National Council for Special Education)'s devolving of their legislative responsibility for the Assessment of Children with Additional Needs on to schools.

I am aware that the High Court found in favour of the applications under four points (Points 38 – 41) of the ruling and can confirm that my Department is engaging with the Department of Education, the NCSE and the HSE in relation to the High Court ruling in order to determine the implications for, and impact of, educational assessments and Assessments of Need.

I can inform the Deputy that both the Department of Education and HSE are awaiting legal advice on this judgement and my Departments awaits the availability of those advices so it can discuss the matter further with both.

The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families at this time. I can assure you that my Department is fully committed to the delivery of appropriate services for children with disabilities and will continue work on a number of fronts to develop services that meet their needs.